A new Milwaukee-made film title "The Blood Is At The Doorstep" will debut at SXSW Film Festival as part of the Documentary Feature Competition. Directed by local filmmaker Erik Ljung, the film follows the family of Dontre Hamilton, who was shot and killed by police officer, Christopher Manny at Red Arrow Park in 2014.
Filmed over the course of three years, "The Blood Is At The Doorstep" takes an intimate look at the family transformed by tragedy through protests, vigils, and being thrusted into the national spotlight. Out of this tragedy, Dontre's brother Nate and his family became leaders in the movement to change how the police interacts with its citizens.
I asked director Erik Ljung what is one thing you want viewers to takeaway from your film?
"In this political climate I think a lot of people are second-guessing about how they can be more involved in making a change in their communities. I think the Hamilton's family story can inspire a lot of people in that regard and we hope that this film motivates people to take an active role in changing the things that they want to change in their communities."
Prior to the debut of the film at SXSW, Ljung shared the powerful trailer and poster for "The Blood Is At The Doorstep."
